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Hospital support group 'vital' to woman's recovery

Eleanor Lawson
BBC News, West Midlands
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Two women sit down in hospital chairs and look at the camera. The woman on the left, Kerry Williams, wears a pink jumper and has her hair in a bun. The woman on the right wears a white nurse's uniform and a blue medical face mask.The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Kerry Williams (left) says it's hard to talk to loved ones about her experience with illness, but she knows people in the group understand

A woman who spent more than two months in intensive care, paralysed with a rare condition, has hailed an "amazing" hospital support group that allows her to discuss experiences that might otherwise be hard to address.

Kerry Williams was in intensive care for 76 days after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious condition that affects the nerves, movement, breathing, and heartbeat.

She said she found invaluable help through the group set up in particular for patients recovering from serious illness.

It is hosted by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust at New Cross Hospital, where Ms Williams was treated.

The 55-year-old, who works as an assistant practitioner helping stroke patients in the community, has attended the group for almost three years and believes it has been vital to her recovery.

"It's hard to talk about what you've been through with loved ones because it's also their trauma," she said.

"In the group, I know others understand, and it's been incredibly helpful.

"It's a really good service and support network. Being with others who have had similar experiences really helps – you don't realise how much you need it until you're there."

The group offers mental health screening and support, which helps patients who often experience flashbacks.

Patients are also provided with diaries which can help fill in gaps, especially for those who have been sedated or experienced hallucinations.

Ms Williams said: "The support reassured me I wasn't alone."

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Two women in blue nurses' uniforms sit and smile at the camera. One woman is closer to the camera, she has short grey hair. The woman on the right sits further back and has blonde hair tied back. They sit in a room with a computer, printer, and medical equipment in it.The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Vicki Hartmann and Jacqueline Burns lead the support group for patients

The group is led by senior sister Vicki Hartmann and sister Jacqueline Burns, who have facilitated the support group and a follow-up clinic since 2018.

The follow-up clinic runs once a month on a Wednesday, and the support group meets every other month on a Monday.

Ms Hartmann said: "Kerry had a long stay in the Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU) and it was traumatic at times for her, but she was always positive and upbeat.

"She's found the support group really useful and has shared her story many times with fellow patients.

"Patients have said they don't like to burden other family with their stories because it seems like they are repeating themselves, but sometimes that's what you need. At the support group, you can let it all out."

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